Translated:

Hello, this is GSL.

Since our inaugural tournament in 2010, GSL has now entered its 17th year, thanks to the unwavering love and support of our fans. We are pleased to announce that the 2026 GSL Season 1 and Season 2 were successfully concluded thanks to your passionate cheering.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the fans who always walk alongside StarCraft II and GSL.

■ Fulfillment of Crowdfunding Promises and the Background for Hosting 2026 GSTL

In accordance with the GSL crowdfunding promises previously announced, we have expanded the GSLCK to more than twice a month thanks to your active support. We are happy to be able to provide consistent gameplay even during the off-season and deliver various forms of entertainment.

We have also been reviewing various options for the 2026 second-half GSL schedule. While your precious support and sponsorship during the first half of the year provided a foundation for continuous content production, it has been difficult to host GSL Season 3 in its traditional format due to practical constraints.

Rather than delaying the use of your valuable contributions or scaling down the league, GSL sought a way to reward your support and add new vitality to the StarCraft II ecosystem.

As a result, we have decided to host "GSTL," the StarCraft II team league that you have all been waiting for, in the second half of 2026. Through GSTL, we aim to present new types of tournament content and the unique excitement that only team-based matches can provide.

We are also keeping various operational possibilities open for future regular GSL seasons. As long as the StarCraft II community's support continues, SOOP will continue to invest and strive for StarCraft II content.

■ 2026 GSTL Overview and Schedule

The primary goal of 2026 GSTL is "sustainable league operation and the revitalization of the StarCraft II ecosystem."

• Format: Online (Streamers) / Offline (SOOP)
  • Main Tournament & Playoffs: These will be held online. In2theTV (Inu) will handle the operation, production, and broadcasting of the GSTL main tournament and playoffs. Additionally, viewers can enjoy co-streaming by pro-streamers and players.
  • Grand Finals: As with previous GSL events, the finals will be held offline at the FreecUP Studio. A Korean and global broadcasting crew will be on-site to convey the heat of the finals to the fans.

[2026 GSTL Schedule]

August Schedule

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September Schedule

■ GSTL Match Format

The GSTL main tournament will follow a Round Robin (Full League) format, with two team matches played per day. Each team match will follow the familiar 3-round hybrid format.

[Round 1] Pro League Style (Entry Submission) – Best of 5

• Entries must be submitted before the match begins.
• The same player cannot play in more than one set during Rounds 1 to 3.
• From Round 4 onwards, a player who participated in Rounds 1–3 may participate one additional time.
• Remaining sets will not be played once a winner is determined.

[Round 2] Winner/Loser Style – Best of 3 (All-Kill)

• The "lead" player submitted by each team competes first.
• The losing team designates the next player to compete.
• Remaining matches will not be played once a winner is determined.

[Round 3] Final Ace Match – Bo1

• If the Round Score is 1:1 after Rounds 1 and 2, a "Super Ace Match" will be conducted.

[2026 GSTL Prize Pool]

■ New 'Scrim Match' System

In this 2026 GSTL, we have introduced "Scrim Matches" to support the individual broadcasting activities of players and to provide fans with even more diverse content beyond the official matches.

• Free Team Scrims & Victory Stipends: Participating teams can conduct scrims (practice matches) freely through mutual agreement during the tournament period. A separate victory stipend will be paid to the winning team.
• Real-time Viewing via Individual Broadcasts: Scrim matches will be broadcast live through the players' personal streaming channels. Fans can enjoy not only the gameplay but also the behind-the-scenes talk between teammates.
• Fan-Player Interactive Entertainment: Through personal broadcasts, we aim to create content where fans and players interact through various viewer-participation events, such as "Challenge Missions" and "Match Missions."

■ Off-Season StarCraft II Content and Streamer Support

Beyond the official GSL/GSTL tournaments, SOOP is providing continuous support to ensure you can enjoy StarCraft II year-round.

• Regular GSL CK (Custom Games): Held more than twice a month to provide consistent viewing even during the off-season.
• Securing Global Tournament Broadcasting Rights: We have secured Korean broadcasting rights for popular international StarCraft II tournaments such as RSL, Kung Fu Cup, MoG2, and Wady Monday, providing diverse content for streamers and viewers.
• Support for Self-Planned Tournaments: We actively support small-scale tournaments and event matches planned directly by pro-gamers and streamers.
• Creator Collaboration Content: We continue to support the production of StarCraft II tournament content, such as 'ISSL' hosted by 'In2theTV' (Inu), the Best Streamer.
• StarCraft II Category Viewing Events:
  • Cumulative Viewing Drops Event: Rewards are provided based on individual broadcasting watch time to promote community activity.
  • Streamer Subscription Promotions: Through various promotions, we aim to expand the influx of users from other platforms and support the stable broadcasting activities of players and streamers.

■ Linkage with Crowdfunding and Sponsor Rewards

The crowdfunding gathered from fans is the vital driving force that keeps GSL, GSTL, and the StarCraft II ecosystem running. We sincerely thank the fans who have continued to send their support and love even during the off-season when official tournaments are not being held. It was thanks to your trust and support that we were able to launch the new 2026 GSTL.

To reward your precious support, the benefits promised to existing GSL supporters will be applied to GSTL content as well.

• SOOP Subscribers: Dedicated personas, emotes, replays, and special benefits for long-term subscribers.
• Patreon Supporters: Tiered membership benefits will be applied to GSTL content.

■ Closing Remarks

StarCraft II esports is undergoing a period of new change and growth alongside its fans. Amidst a changing environment, SOOP and GSL have always been with StarCraft II. We will continue to build a sustainable StarCraft II ecosystem together with our fans, players, and streamers.

We are delighted to present GSTL to you this year. Thank you, as always, for loving GSL and StarCraft II.

Please give much interest and support to the 2026 GSTL.

https://tl.net/forum/starcraft-2/645909-gstl-returns-in-2026